Structure-based optimization of non-peptidic Cathepsin D inhibitors.

We discovered a novel series of non-peptidic acylguanidine inhibitors of Cathepsin D as target for osteoarthritis. The initial HTS-hits were optimized by structure-based design using CatD X-ray structures resulting in single digit nanomolar potency in the biochemical CatD assay. However, the most potent analogues showed only micromolar activities in an ex vivo glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release assay in bovine cartilage together with low cellular permeability and suboptimal microsomal stability.

Chlorothiophenecarboxamides as P1 surrogates of inhibitors of blood coagulation factor Xa.

Neutral chlorothiophenecarboxamides bearing an amino acid and a substituted aniline were synthesized and investigated for their factor Xa inhibitory activity in vitro. From selected 2-methylphenyl morpholinones the solution properties were determined. The most soluble and active compounds were then investigated in different animal species to compare the pharmacokinetic parameters.

Halothiophene benzimidazoles as P1 surrogates of inhibitors of blood coagulation factor Xa.

Neutral weak halothiophene benzimidazole inhibitors of the serine protease factor Xa were identified via screening of a compound library. The X-ray crystal structure of representative 3a bound to human fXa confirmed the S1 binding mode. Starting from 3a a series of halothiophene benzimidazoles was synthesized and investigated for their factor Xa inhibitory activity.